Lemon essential oil in history
The lemon tree is a small evergreen, native to Asia. The first European transplants were thought to have been brought over in about 200 A.D., but it took Christopher Columbus to bring it to North America. It does best in tropical climates, and is widely grown in the southern United States, Central and South America, southern Europe, Africa, and Australia though Europe is currently the biggest producer of lemon essential oil. Lemon trees were planted in the Sahara Desert in the 8th and 9th centuries, and Virgil wrote about it, calling it the “Median Apple,” due to its supposed Persian origins. The Moors brought lemon trees to Spain during their occupation, and throughout time, lemon has been widely lauded for its versatility in both medicine and culinary use.
Lemon oil uses
Skin care: both moisturizing and astringent, it invigorates the skin while helping to balance and lock in the skin’s own natural moisture.
Hair tonic: astringent and conditioning, promotes a healthy shine on the hair while invigorating the scalp. Can also have a lightening effect on some hair types.
Detoxifying: stimulates the body’s elimination processes, both through the digestive tract and through blood and lymph circulation.
Mood enhancer: has a stimulating effect on the mind and body.
Stress buster: decreases the response of stress hormones to help you relax and feel less anxious.
Immune booster: a powerful anti-oxidant, lemon contains the highest concentration of vitamin C of any citrus fruit. This and other components help to rid the body of free radicals and helps to protect the body against illness.
Disinfectant/anti-fungal: effective in treating many types of infection, including chronic candida, which is caused by a fungal infection.
Pain relief: studies have shown that treatment with lemon essential oil can reduce the instinctive pain response in many sufferers of chronic pain. This could be partially due to its stress-relieving qualities, which allows you to detach from unpleasant thoughts and feelings.
Anti-asthmatic: can help to control asthmatic response by opening the respiratory passages.
Decongestant: opens up breathing passages and helps to relieve congested chest and sinuses.
Insomnia: anti-stress action helps to calm and relax the body, promoting a restful sleep.
Anti-emetic: helps to calm a queasy stomach and alleviate both the nausea and the intensity of stomach cramping from morning sickness.
Weight loss: helps to suppress the appetite, dissolves body fat and rids the body of fat-secreted toxins. Also stimulates the digestive tract as well as the metabolism, supporting your active and healthy lifestyle.
Fever reducer: cools the body
Household uses: lemon essential oil finds its way into many household preparations, including furniture polish, surface cleansers, laundry detergent and more. Much more than just its ability to clean and disinfect, it makes everything smell clean and fresh.
Cosmetics: used in many lotions and hair products to invigorate the skin and scalp, remove oil and balance the pH of the skin.
Food and drink: a popular and versatile flavoring for many dishes from main courses to desserts, cocktails, soft drinks, tea and more. Adds acidity and freshness to many recipes.
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